Breast Cancer Ultrasound Essential; Mammography Not Enough To Detect Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most prolific type of ailment that has plagued women for many years. In order to fight the disease, experts agree that focusing more on ultrasound can help detect and fight the ilnness while still in its early stage.

A recent study shows that breast cancer ultrasound screenings have helped experts in detecting the disease while still in its premature stage. Another study set of study shows that women with dense breasts have bigger potential to get cancer than others.

In a study published by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, researchers said, "Where mammography is available, ultrasound should be seen as a supplemental test for women with dense breasts who do not meet high-risk criteria for screening MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and for high-risk women with dense breasts who are unable to tolerate MRI."

Studies show that a typical mammogram often cannot distinguish between white tumor cells and white breast tissues. More tests are required in order to tell the difference between the two. Experts say that distinguishing one from the one is like finding a polar bear in a massive field of snow.

On the other hand, breast cancer ultrasound images display tumors more distinctive than normal tissues. This allows experts to easily identify whether a person suffer from cancer or not.

Aside from detecting tumors, the screening can also show other malignant tissues in a person's body.

Breast cancer ultrasound is also beneficial to women who have disabilities or are pregnant. However, experts believe that pregnancy or disabilities are not sufficient reasons for medical practitioners to order an ultrasound.

Women in developing countries who suffer from breast cancer, mostly, do not have access to mammography. In this case, ultrasound is perceived as a very viable option.

According to Gazette, more than 1.6 million breast cancer cases were recorded since 2010. Of those cases, 425,000 died.